Proposals include produce prescriptions as covered health benefits, enhanced nutrition labelling, expanded financial incentives, and modernised USDA purchasing programmes to address America’s persistent underconsumption of fresh produce
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has submitted updated policy recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission.
The association said that these strategies will help reduce diet-related diseases and improve public health nationwide.
In the letter addressed to health and human services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, White House domestic policy council executive director Vince Haley and the MAHA Commission members, IFPA outlined ten evidence-based recommendations that prioritise fruit and vegetable consumption as the cornerstone of national health policy, building on recommendations submitted earlier this year.
The MAHA Commission, established by a February executive order, is charged with addressing childhood chronic disease and is expected to release its second report by 12 August.
“For too long, our nation has fallen short of consuming the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables, resulting in serious public health consequences,” said IFPA chief executive Cathy Burns.
“We appreciate the Commission engaging farmers and produce leaders, as we’re uniquely positioned to help drive solutions.
”Proven programmes like the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the National School Lunch Program show that when access improves, consumption increases,” Burns outlined.
“Now is the time for a bold, coordinated strategy to put fruits and vegetables at the heart of our health policies – and IFPA is ready with actionable, evidence-based recommendations.”
IFPA’s recommendations include embedding produce prescriptions as a covered benefit within the health system; enhancing nutrition clarity in food labelling; expanding financial incentives for fruit and vegetable purchases; expanding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program; and modernising USDA purchasing programmes.
The association also recommends increasing fruit and vegetable access for SNAP Recipients; enhancing data collection for federal nutrition programmes; supporting access to safe crop protection tools; investing in specialty crop research and innovation; and incentivising regenerative agriculture practices.
”IFPA remains committed to working with the administration, policymakers, and industry partners to advance these priorities, creating a healthier, more resilient future for all Americans,” the association noted.
